North Dakota Medical Cannabis Delayed Until 2019 Due to Pending Construction Approval

A status report released from The North Dakota Department of Health has given notice that the state’s medical cannabis program will possibly be delayed until 2019. The reason for the delay is that the design submission of cultivation and manufacturing facilities has taken longer to complete than expected.

Approved manufacturers are still compiling their submission to the cities of Bismarck and Fargo. The building plans will need the local zoning approval before construction can begin.

Risk of Prosecution for Marijuana-Related Companies. If you are considering investing in a company that is connected to the marijuana industry, be aware that marijuana-related companies may be at risk of federal, and perhaps state, criminal prosecution. The Department of Treasury recently issued guidance noting: “ The Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) makes it illegal under federal law to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. Many states impose and enforce similar prohibitions. Notwithstanding the federal ban, as of the date of this guidance, 20 states and the District of Columbia have legalized certain marijuana-related activity.”